According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 3,074 people died in traffic-related incidents in California in 2014. As far as our San Francisco car accident lawyer is concerned, that is 3,074 deaths too many. At the Brod Law Firm, we represent people left grieving after a family member dies in a fatal car accident in the San Francisco Bay Area region or anywhere in Northern California. We are also dedicated to providing our readers with information to help them stay safe. We know about the tragedies that can stem from a car accident and we want to do everything in our power to prevent those tragedies.

Study Focuses on Causes of Traffic Fatalities by State

If we want to prevent fatal car accidents, we need to know what causes them. Last year, the journal Business Insider looked at this very question. The report relies on a study conducted by the Auto Insurance Center, an insurance information website, that reviewed all fatal car accidents recorded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s information systems from 2009 to 2013 to determine what dangerous behaviors caused the highest number of fatal accidents in each state. For purposes of the study, the researchers included pedestrian, passenger, and driver fatalities.

In the majority of states, the behavior that led to the highest number of fatal accidents was failure to stay in the traffic lane. The second-most prevalent factor, which was the top cause of fatal traffic incidents in seven states, was failure to yield the right-of-way. California was the only state where making an improper turn was the behavior that led to the highest number of driving-related deaths.

The study also examined a few specific accident causes in greater detail. Researchers concluded that alcohol-related deaths were more common in rural areas that lacked public transportation options. Likewise, and perhaps more surprisingly, speeding was also more commonly associated with fatalities in rural regions. Nationally, rain contributed to more deadly accidents than snow, a fact that drivers should keep in mind during wet weather.

Prevention, Compensation, Accountability

Most accidents are preventable. The Auto Insurance Center’s study shows that close attention to the rules of the road can save lives all across the country. We strongly urge all of our readers to remember that driving is a complex task that requires the highest levels of focus and attention.

We also believe that holding people accountable for the results of their actions can contribute to a safer world in the future. If you have lost a family member as a result of someone else’s actions on the road, you may be entitled to compensation. In California, as laid forth in Civil Jury Instruction, a wrongful death claim can include both economic (e.g., value of lost salary/financial support, burial costs, value of household contributions such as cleaning and childcare, etc.) and non-economic (e.g., compensation for lost companionship, care, love, etc.) damages. Additionally, a wrongful death claim sends a strong message to the defendant and to others that they will be held responsible for the consequences of their bad driving behaviors.

Be safe and please call if our San Francisco wrongful death attorney can be of any assistance. A consultation is always free and most injury/wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency fee basis so there is no fee unless you recover money.